This introductory course for new fire service personnel acquaints participants with the basics of fireground duties. Discussions address fire service history, organization, fireground safety, and fire behavior. We will discuss and demonstrate basic hose practices, ground ladder practices, ventilation techniques and introduce proper procedures for using self-contained breathing apparatus and fire service hand tools. Practical evolutions designed to reinforce participants' skills are included. This class will meet all the prerequisites to participate in live-fire training evolutions.

Special requirements

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): The following gear is required to participate: helmet, bunker coat, bunker pants with boots, and gloves that met the NFPA standard 1971 at the time of purchase.
• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA): Participants attending should bring their own pressure-demand type self-contained breathing apparatus and one spare cylinder. All air cylinders must be within hydrostatic date or will not be refilled and should be marked with departmental identification. Breathing apparatus must meet NFPA standard 1981. In addition participants must provide a Nomex or PBI protective hood. Individuals with beards, sideburns or other hair styles that interfere with the proper seal of a breathing apparatus face piece will not be allowed to participate in classes requiring SCBA use.
• Note: Protective hoods over beards are not approved.